Georgia, a country of captivating landscapes and rich history, often sparks curiosity about its precise location. While the question “Where Is Georgia In Eastern Europe” is commonly asked, the geographical reality is more nuanced. Georgia is situated in the Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. This unique position makes it a transcontinental country, bridging two worlds and boasting a diverse environment that ranges from subtropical coastlines to towering, snow-capped mountains.
Relief, Drainage, and Soils: The Diverse Georgian Landscape
Physical features of Georgia showcasing its mountainous terrain and Kolkhida Lowland
Georgia’s terrain is predominantly mountainous. Except for the fertile Kolkhida Lowland, historically known as Colchis and famed in Greek mythology for the Golden Fleece, mountains define the landscape. Forests and brushwood cover over a third of the country, contributing to the remarkable variety of scenery. From the humid subtropical Black Sea coast to the icy peaks of the Greater Caucasus mountains, Georgia’s contrasting environments are striking, especially considering its relatively small size within the Caucasus region.
The Georgian landscape can be broadly divided into three east-west bands. The northernmost band is dominated by the Greater Caucasus Mountains, a formidable range with parallel and transverse belts. These mountains rise towards the east and are frequently separated by deep, dramatic gorges. Iconic peaks along the crest line include Mount Shkhara, Georgia’s highest point at 16,627 feet (5,068 metres), alongside Mounts Rustaveli, Tetnuld, and Ushba, all exceeding 15,000 feet. The dormant volcano Mkinvari (Kazbek), reaching 16,512 feet, is a prominent feature of the Bokovoy Range, the northernmost part of the Greater Caucasus in Georgia. Spurs like the Lomis and Kartli ranges extend southward from the central range, adding further complexity to the mountainous terrain. Numerous rivers and streams originate from the glacier-clad slopes of these high-altitude regions, carving through the landscape.
Moving south, the Greater Caucasus slopes transition into a central lowland band, formed within a significant structural depression. The Kolkhida Lowland, located near the Black Sea, is characterized by thick layers of river sediments accumulated over millennia. Major rivers of western Georgia, such as the Inguri, Rioni, and Kodori, originating in the Greater Caucasus, flow across this broad plain towards the sea. Historically, the Kolkhida Lowland was largely swampy. However, extensive drainage projects involving canals, river embankments, and afforestation have transformed it into a vital agricultural region, particularly for subtropical and commercial crops.
Eastward, the Meskhet and Likh ranges intersect the structural trough, connecting the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and forming a crucial watershed between the Black and Caspian Sea basins. In central Georgia, between Khashuri and Mtsʿkhetʿa, the ancient capital, lies the Kartli Plain, an elevated plateau. Enclosed by mountains on all sides and largely composed of loess deposits, this plain stretches along the Kura (Mtkvari) River and its tributaries.
The southernmost band of Georgia is defined by the Lesser Caucasus ranges and plateaus. Rising beyond a narrow, marshy coastal strip, these mountains reach heights of 10,830 feet at Didi-Abuli peak.
Georgia’s soils are as varied as its topography, ranging from gray-brown semidesert soils and saline types to richer red earths and podzols. Human interventions have further increased soil diversity through agricultural improvements and land management practices.
Climate: A Blend of Maritime and Continental Influences
Georgia’s climate is significantly shaped by the Caucasus Mountains, which act as a barrier against cold northerly air masses. Simultaneously, the country is exposed to warm, moist air from the Black Sea. This results in a climate gradient across the country. Western Georgia experiences a humid subtropical, maritime climate, while eastern Georgia exhibits a more varied climate, ranging from moderately humid to dry subtropical conditions.
Elevation plays a crucial role in climate zonation. The Kolkhida Lowland maintains a subtropical character up to elevations of about 1,600 to 2,000 feet. Just above this zone, a moist, moderately warm climate prevails, followed by a belt of cold, wet winters and cool summers at higher altitudes. An alpine climate zone, lacking a true summer, exists above approximately 6,600 to 7,200 feet. Permanent snow and ice are found above 11,200 to 11,500 feet. Eastern Georgia, being further inland, generally experiences lower temperatures at comparable altitudes than western regions.
Western Georgia receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, ranging from 40 to 100 inches (1,000 to 2,500 mm), with maximum precipitation in autumn and winter. Southern Kolkhida is the wettest area, with rainfall decreasing towards the north and east. Winters in western Georgia are mild; at elevations below 2,000 to 2,300 feet, the average January temperature remains above 32 °F (0 °C). Coastal areas enjoy relatively warm, sunny winters with average temperatures around 41 °F (5 °C). Summer temperatures in western Georgia average about 71 °F (22 °C).
Eastern Georgia experiences decreasing precipitation with increasing distance from the Black Sea, ranging from 16 to 28 inches in plains and foothills, but doubling in mountainous areas. Southeastern regions are the driest, with winter being the driest season and rainfall peaking in late spring. The highest lowland temperatures in eastern Georgia occur in July (around 77 °F [25 °C]), while average January temperatures across most of the region range from 32 to 37 °F (0 to 3 °C).
Plant and Animal Life: Biodiversity Hotspot
Georgia’s location and diverse topography foster an exceptional variety of landscapes, leading to rich biodiversity. The lush vegetation of the humid, subtropical Black Sea coast contrasts sharply with the perpetual snows of the high mountain peaks. Deep gorges and swift rivers transition into dry steppes, and verdant alpine meadows alternate with darker forested valleys.
Forests and brushland cover over a third of Georgia. Western Georgia’s stable climate over long periods has preserved numerous relict and rare plant species, including the Pitsunda pine (Pinus pithyusa). Dominant tree species in western forests include oak, chestnut, beech, and alder, alongside Caucasian fir, ash, linden, and wild apple and pear trees. The undergrowth is characterized by evergreens like rhododendrons and holly, as well as deciduous shrubs such as Caucasian bilberry and nut trees. Lianas entwine parts of the western forests, adding to their dense character. Citrus groves are cultivated throughout Georgia, and eucalyptus trees are commonly planted along roadsides.
Eastern Georgia is less forested, with steppes featuring prickly underbrush and grasses like feather and beard grass. Herbaceous subalpine and alpine vegetation is widespread in higher elevations. Animal life across Georgia is remarkably diverse. High mountain fauna includes goats and Caucasian antelope, while rodents inhabit alpine meadows. A rich birdlife includes mountain turkeys, Caucasian black grouse, and mountain and bearded eagles. Trout thrive in the clear rivers and mountain lakes.
Forest regions are home to wild boars, roe and Caucasian deer, brown bears, lynx, wolves, foxes, jackals, hares, and squirrels. Birds range from thrushes to black vultures and hawks. Some of these animals and birds also inhabit lowland areas, which are also home to introduced species like raccoon, mink, and nutria. The rivers and the Black Sea are abundant in fish.
In conclusion, while often geographically associated with Eastern Europe due to historical and cultural connections, Georgia’s physical location firmly places it within the Caucasus region, a bridge between Europe and Asia. This unique position contributes to its diverse landscapes, climates, and rich biodiversity, making Georgia a fascinating country to explore geographically.
